Dear Global Fellows,
Over the years, more than 1,200 fellows from around the world have participated in the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s signature leadership programs — representing diverse backgrounds, sectors and generations across more than 40 countries. Each of you has contributed to the strength and purpose of a powerful global community.
In 2020, we began a new journey — one focused on deepening our relationship with this vibrant network through a thoughtful process of community engagement, grounded in authentic connection, collaboration and shared learning.
From the very beginning, we understood that this could not be a network designed for fellows — it had to be shaped with fellows. We approached this phase with humility and curiosity, believing that the best way forward would be co-created with you, not just for you. We launched our Year(s) of Learning by engaging with more than 500 fellows through meet-and-greets, coffee chats, surveys, focus groups and conversations across our three key regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, Southern Africa and the United States.
Over the course of two years, we embarked on a collective learning journey rooted in listening, trust and shared vision. You told us what you needed: stronger, broader connections; virtual and in-person gatherings, opportunities for learning and career development; and deeper alignment with WKKF’s values of racial equity and racial healing, community engagement and leadership development.
That journey culminated in the 2022 launch of the WKKF Global Fellows Network (GFN) — where branding, network identity, program and direction reflect the priorities and spirit of GFN members.
We also turned to the global leadership development field and discovered something striking — while many organizations invest heavily in leadership programs, few have been able to substantially invest in their alumni networks. We saw this as both a challenge and a call to action. In response, we partnered with IREX to launch the Fellowship Alumni Network Study (FANS) — a global research initiative examining what makes leadership networks strong, sustainable and impactful.
The insights from FANS have helped shape how we nurture and evolve this network, always grounded in what truly serves you — and the communities you lead. FANS affirmed what we already knew: fellows like you are leading transformational change individually, institutionally and across systems. Strong personal relationships are key to lasting impact. Staying connected helps fellows build trust, encourages knowledge sharing and fosters leadership growth. FANS also emphasized that thriving networks create spaces for local connection, leadership opportunities and shared learning — lessons that continue to guide how we strengthen the Global Fellows Network.
Now, in 2025 we are proud to celebrate the resilience, vibrancy and collective leadership of this global community.
GFN offers access to a growing ecosystem of experiences, including:
- Gatherings: Multilingual virtual and in-person gatherings (local, regional and global): Global Leadership Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa; New Orleans Tag Along; etc.
- Global Learning and Career Development Opportunities: New Strategies Rising with Georgetown University, International Leadership Association Conference, Peter Block’s Leader as Convener training and the University of Arkansas’ Clinton School of Public Service – Racial Healing Certificate Program.
- Knowledge Sharing and Global Experiences: Cazumbada Immersion in Brazil, @Crossroad Series and GFN Repository.
Every day, fellows across the globe are connecting, collaborating and acting — building relationships, launching community-driven solutions, advancing racial equity and healing, and leading efforts to create a more just and equitable world. You are change agents, thought leaders and community influencers, many of whom are working to transform systems, policies and practices that support thriving communities.
Likewise, fellows create opportunities for themselves and come together, organize and connect — locally, nationally and globally — to support one another, exchange ideas and drive collective action. Through class reunions, national conferences and virtual gatherings, they continue to build bonds and strengthen their connections. This progress would not be possible without each of you — your leadership, your vision and your unwavering commitment to positive change.
In times like these, when the call for justice, healing, equity and collective leadership is more urgent than ever, it is essential to have a community we can rely on — one where we can connect, share and draw strength from each other.
As we look ahead, we warmly invite you to stay engaged — or to re-engage if you have been away. The WKKF Global Fellows Network thrives because of the ideas, energy and leadership each fellow brings. Whether it’s joining a conversation, sharing your work, or attending a gathering, your involvement fuels this powerful global movement.
The Global Fellows Network is your community — and together, we are building a more just, equitable and thriving world for children, families and communities everywhere.
Thank you for being a vital part of this journey.
With deep gratitude and solidarity,
Xiomara Enriquez, leadership programs officer
On behalf of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Global Fellows Network Team
